What Makes a Matilda

Puffin, 2022

256pp., pbk., RRP $A24.99

 9781761048869

As the Socceroos enter the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2006, interest is the FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 is growing.  And we know from past successes in other sports how a win the magnitude of that of the Socceroos inspires our young readers to reignite their dreams, so this is a timely release to hone that passion even more sharply. 

With sections devoted to  pathways to becoming a Matilda, how to capture the Matilda spirit, in-depth player profiles, football history, mindset advice, quotes from your favourite players, pro training drills, photos and more, it also follows the journey of our national team from their first international competition, to when they officially became the Matildas, to their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. 

Up-to-date , including the 2022 Asian Cup squad and the news that the entire Australian Top Ten of footballers are women; that Lydia Williams, author of Saved! and Goal! , became the first Australian goalkeeper to reach 100 appearances at that level; and their world=ranking currently sitting at 12th, this is the perfect publication  for the Christmas stocking of any young fan with a dream.